9/30/2010

Captains of Crush Hand Gripper - No. 1 Review

If you are really serious about hand grips, and you want something that is not your standard sport shop model, this is where to go.I got the Trainer, and for someone like myself that has been using hand grips since childhood, it was too easy.Then I got #1 and that was tuff; but I decided to get #2 and #3 as well.I have just recently graduated from #1 and using #2, and maybe in a year or more I can go to #3 and get certified.
Let me tell you this, if you can squeeze #2 at least once all the way, you are good.You can't really understand what I am trying to tell unless you get one.So if you are person that has never used hand grips regularly if at all, then go with the Trainer.If you have been using hand grips for awhile, and looking for something harder, then get the #1.
Remember to always squeeze hard!!!

Product Description
Warning: Captains of Crush Grippers can be extremely addictive and the side effects of proper use include bigger forearms, a stronger grip and fewer aches and pains from the elbows to the fingertips. Captains of Crush Grippers from IronMind are known worldwide as the gold standard for building and testing grip strength. Available in ten strengths, there is a model perfect for everyone from rehab patients to World's Strongest Man winners. These are the grippers that changed the world, taking what had been a cheap, imported plaything and turning it into a serious training tool: Captains of Crush Grippers are known wherever strong men and women gather, and are used by champion athletes, elite military and public safety personnel, government leaders, CEOs, celebrities and extraordinary people of all ages, sizes and shapes. No. 1: Most people who lift weights can't close this gripper.

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9/25/2010

Bayou's Assisted Vertical Knee Raise Power Tower Review

Unit arrived within four days, free shipping, ground!

Very impressed with the finished product.The assist really helps and works well.The unit has some nice features, like both the assist platform and dip arms easily folds out of the way and lock in place giving more room for chinning.

At 200 and 130lbs the chinning and dip bars are adequate for me and my wife.There is a little give in the bars when I use it, but it still feels very safe.I doubt that it would hold up well if 4-5 guys were using it, but it should last us fine.

The unit came nicely packaged in double boxes and shipping was free and much faster than I anticipated.

While it did take a the better part of an evening to assemble, the instructions were very clear and warned that assembly would take some time.You'll need a 17mm wrench (or crescent or pliers) along with the included allen wrenches.Power tools don't work well, because some of the angles make access tough. A 17mm ratchet would be quicker than a wrench.

Unfortunately the unit says made in China in several places, so ease of assembly is somewhat compromised by manufacturing quality.The instructions said you might need a hammer to complete assembly.I didn't need one, but thought about it a couple times.

One last note regarding assembly.One component was not drilled.It looks like the part was packaged before it went through the final manufacturing step.I called the company using the number listed on the manual.I got a quick response and they are sending a new part, no problem.The 10-20 day estimated delivery is kind of a bummer, but now I can drill the hole in the original part myself and not worry about voiding any warranty and having to send anything back.

Overall, I'm very happy with the product, price and service.




Product Description
For goal-oriented training, Bayou's Assisted Power Tower has a dip station for dips and pull-ups and a pad that easily folds down and out of your way. Included are 4 resistance bands (two 15 lb. and two 25 lb. resistance bands) to assist while performing dips, chin-ups and pull-ups.

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9/20/2010

Airzone Spring Trampoline Review

Airzone Spring TrampolineMy children (13,5) have wanted a trampoline for several years.We finally broke down and let the "Easter Bunny" bring us one!Not even two weeks later, all the straps that hold on the blue frame cover (padding that covers the springs) have ripped out.Now there is nothing holding it on the trampoline.This is NOT safe! I can not let my (very upset) children on it until I replace it.....we will see how the warranty is, and just how long I will have to wait.

Product Description
Enjoy years of bouncing fun with Airzone's spring trampoline, which is available in three sizes: 12-foot, 13-foot, and 14-foot. Each incorporates stainless steel springs for airy catapulting, and the bouncing mat offers a sizeable area for a variety of bouncing techniques--from beginner to intermediate. You'll start with a standing bounce, but after good practice you'll be able to perform tuck position and pirouette bounces by following the included bouncing instructions.

The exterior of the frame and the springs are protected by a padded PVC cover, and both the ring cover and mat are weather resistant for a long life. The sturdy frame features six U-shaped legs for a total of 12 contacts to the ground for greater stability. The frame is fastened with set-screws and bolts on the legs for additional structural integrity, and it's made of weather-resistant galvanized steel. Set up is straightforward with an illustrated instruction guide, and it's recommended that three adults help out. No additional tools are needed, and no drilling required. These trampolines meet ASTM safety requirements, and they're backed by a two-year warranty. Note that a safety enclosure is available separately.

12-Foot Trampoline Details:

  • Frame diameter: 12 feet
  • Frame height: 34.5 inches

    Stainless steel springs provide great bounce.
  • Weight: 106.4 pounds
  • Number of Legs: 6
  • Spring quantity: 84
  • Maximum user weight: 250 pounds

13-Foot Trampoline Details:

  • Frame diameter: 13 feet
  • Frame height: 34.5 inches
  • Weight: 113 pounds
  • Number of Legs: 6
  • Spring quantity: 84
  • Maximum user weight: 250 pounds

14-Foot Trampoline Details:

  • Frame diameter: 14 feet
  • Frame height: 36 inches
  • Weight: 124 pounds
  • Number of Legs: 6
  • Spring quantity: 84
  • Maximum user weight: 250 pounds

What's in the Box?
Jumping mat, frame cover, rail pieces, U-shaped leg pieces with extensions, screws, springs, screwdriver



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9/15/2010

Bravo Sports VFX 8-Foot Spring Trampoline w/Enclosure Review

We bought this trampoline for our 4 year old who has been begging for one.With shipping, it does cost about the same as one of a larger size I saw elsewhere which made me think of getting the bigger one. But it is the perfect size for our daughter now and when she gets older. Also at the size she is now, one of her little friends can join her. It's not difficult to move to mow the yard either.The instructions explain you need "three able bodied adults for assembly" but my husband put it together by himself when I wasn't even home.We are very pleased with our choice.

Product Description
The Bravo Sports 8' VFX Spring Trampoline/Enclosure Combination offers the best bounce and the ultimate protection for hours of outdoor family fun. This trampoline is designed with six "W" shaped legs and a Triple-wall "T" joint for maximum strength and stability. The jumping mat and frame cover are weather resistant. The steel frame and legs are rust resistant for years of fun. The 8' Enclosure features 6 padded steel poles for maximum safety. The pole caps are fastened by finger-bolts for stability. The mesh is finely knit so fingers and toes won't get tangled in the netting. Zippered entrance door for added safety and security. Both trampoline and enclosure are tested to meet all ASTM safety requirements.

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9/10/2010

TRX Force Kit - Original Review

This is simply put the best, most versatile piece of exercise equipment you can own.As a deployed Army Officer, maintaining my fitness level is obviously important to me but with unreliable access to traditional training resources, it can be difficult to follow a regular strength training program.Enter the TRX.Requiring nothing but your own body weight and something to anchor to (I have literally used everything from a truck to a shipping container to a Hesco barrier to anchor off of) this simple, portable, suspension trainer will push you to your limits.Capitalizing on the principle of instability, the TRX forces you to engage your core and stabilizer muscles on nearly every exercise.A simple pushup becomes a full-body exercise when suspended in the TRX.The best thing, however, about the TRX is that it's intensity is fully "scalable."Since you are pulling your own bodyweight, you can change the workload with a simple adjustment of your feet placement (changing the angle and thus the amount of weight you are working with).This makes the TRX a tool that will continue to challenge you as you progress in strength and skill; additionally, it is the perfect tool for group or partner workouts, since there is no changing of weight plates or machine levels to accommodate different experience/strength levels; you and your training partner can effortlessly workout together which translates into more efficient workouts in less time!Bottom line- it doesn't matter if you are just looking to get a little more activity in your life or if your life depends on maintaining excellent physical fitness, BUY THIS PRODUCT!

Product Description
The TRX Force Training system: a comprehensive bodyweight training kit with a 12-week intensive training program that will help you reach your peak condition. In urban safe-houses, on ships, in submarines: this is where Fitness Anywhere founder and former Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick developed the prototype for the TRX Suspension Trainer, as he and his comrades improvised ways to stay fit on covert missions. Now you can train the way the SEALs did - and achieve peak fitness and performance. With the TRX Suspension Trainer Tactical (built to exceed military standards) and a military fitness program that includes an easy-to-follow guide and a DVD with two real-time workouts, you will train the way our nations elite heroes do.

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9/05/2010

Giant Angled Leg Press Review

Bought this on Amazon through Pro Therapy Sales. I contacted the manufacturer because after I assembled it would not slide correctly. Got no response via phone and then emailed them a few days later. They did respond but basically said not their problem, contact the seller.... and since I got it off of Amazon it was probably used (it was not- brand new in the box from Yukon). Once I did get Pro Therapy to respond to me they contacted the factory to call me on a day promised. They did not and the seller had to contact me and Yukon again. A Yukon rep tried to help me with several ways to fix it but it never really worked. It does not function smoothly and at all what I expected. I wanted to return and they tried to send a replacement which I did not want. Still trying to get a refund. If you buy this product you will be sorry...the seller and the manufacturer need to learn what good customer service is. For the price and effort involved to assemble you would expect quality and good customer service.

Product Description
Space saving, 7-degree angled leg press featuring one of the widest footplates in the industry and a brass bushing slide system for ultra smooth action.

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